It doesn't come as a big surprise because Pierre has to be affordable, but it's still odd to see Miami bring a player in right now. After (possibly) pulling a blockbuster trade that sent Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle, Emilio Bonifacio and John Buck to Toronto, dumping salary seems like the only goal owner Jeffrey Loria and management have in mind.

But they do have to field a team, so there's that. Because Emilio Bonifacio is also included in the potential blockbuster deal, the Marlins desperately need a leadoff hitter. Pierre may be 35, but he did hit over .300 last season and stole 37 bases while with the Phillies.

Pierre has never been the best all-around player, but you know what you're getting. He's one of the fastest players in the game, and he's excellent at finding his way on base.

This will be Pierre's second stint with the organization. He played with the Marlins from 2003-05, stealing 40-plus bases in each season.

Don't expect Pierre to make Miami into a World Series contender, but he's a great role player to have around. He's very good at what he does, and he will play with a team-first mentality. If nothing else, he will get on base for Giancarlo Stanton and Logan Morrison, which should help create more runs for the Marlins offense.